1
|
Prevolnik Povše M, Slatinek D, Kramberger I, Filipič D, Starič J, Toplak A, Erker U, Mergeduš A, Škorjanc D, Skok J. Short communication: The orientation of cubicles plays a role - greater deviation from the north-south direction, more technopathies in dairy cows. Animal 2024; 18:101295. [PMID: 39216154 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Magnetic alignment (MA) is a biological phenomenon denoting spontaneous orientation of an animal's body at rest, when fleeing a threat, hunting, etc. in relation to the Earth's magnetic field lines, often parallel to the field lines, i.e. in a north-south (NS) direction. MA has been demonstrated in several animal species, including grazing and resting domestic mammals. Based on the assumption that cows prefer to orientate their bodies in the NS direction when resting and sleeping, we hypothesised that MA could contribute to the incidence of technopathies in dairy cows, i.e. various disorders caused by the stable equipment that pose a serious animal welfare problem. It was hypothesised that the incidence of technopathies increases when the cubicles (resting places) orientation deviates from the NS position. The incidence of technopathies was recorded in 34 free-stall dairy farms. The type (hairless patch, scratch, swelling, wound), location and size of the lesions were recorded in almost 1 200 dairy cows. Based on the number of cubicles available and the number of cows, the cubicle-per-cow index (CC index) was calculated and divided into two groups: CC index ≥ 1 for stables with at least one cubicle per cow and CC index < 1 if the number of cows exceeded the number of cubicles available. The orientation of the cubicles was determined by the azimuth (the angle between north and the chosen clockwise direction). The farms were categorised into two groups according to azimuth: NS (azimuth deviating ± 15° from north or south, i.e. 345-15° and 165-195°) and non-NS (azimuth 15-165° and 195-345°). We found that the frequency of cows with technopathies was 30% lower in the NS-orientated cubicles and the number of technopathies per cow was 40% lower in the NS-orientated cubicles than in the non-NS-orientated cubicles. In addition, a higher number of technopathies per cow was observed when the CC index was ≥ 1, with a significant difference in the non-NS-aligned cubicles. According to our results, cubicle orientation has some influence on the incidence of technopathies. Although biological phenomena such as MA are seemingly unimportant and usually overlooked, they should be considered in livestock production when planning the positioning of stable equipment/ cubicle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Prevolnik Povše
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - D Slatinek
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - I Kramberger
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - D Filipič
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - J Starič
- Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A Toplak
- Agriculture and Forestry Institute Ptuj, Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia, 2250 Ptuj, Slovenia
| | - U Erker
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - A Mergeduš
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - D Škorjanc
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia
| | - J Skok
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, 2311 Hoče, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hagstrum JT. Avian navigation: the geomagnetic field provides compass cues but not a bicoordinate "map" plus a brief discussion of the alternative infrasound direction-finding hypothesis. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2024; 210:295-313. [PMID: 37071206 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-023-01627-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The geomagnetic field (GMF) is a worldwide source of compass cues used by animals and humans alike. The inclination of GMF flux lines also provides information on geomagnetic latitude. A long-disputed question, however, is whether horizontal gradients in GMF intensity, in combination with changes in inclination, provide bicoordinate "map" information. Multiple sources contribute to the total GMF, the largest of which is the core field. The ubiquitous crustal field is much less intense, but in both land and marine settings is strong enough at low altitudes (< 700 m; sea level) to mask the core field's weak N-S intensity gradient (~ 3-5 nT/km) over 10 s to 100 s of km. Non-orthogonal geomagnetic gradients, the lack of consistent E-W gradients, and the local masking of core-field intensity gradients by the crustal field, therefore, are grounds for rejection of the bicoordinate geomagnetic "map" hypothesis. In addition, the alternative infrasound direction-finding hypothesis is briefly reviewed. The GMF's diurnal variation has long been suggested as a possible Zeitgeber (timekeeper) for circadian rhythms and could explain the GMF's non-compass role in the avian navigational system. Requirements for detection of this weaker diurnal signal (~ 20-50 nT) might explain the magnetic alignment of resting and grazing animals.
Collapse
|
3
|
Alsammani A, Stacey WC, Gliske SV. Estimation of Circular Statistics in the Presence of Measurement Bias. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2024; 28:1089-1100. [PMID: 38032776 PMCID: PMC10964323 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2023.3334684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Circular statistics and Rayleigh tests are important tools for analyzing cyclic events. However, current methods are not robust to significant measurement bias, especially incomplete or otherwise non-uniform sampling. One example is studying 24-cyclicity but having data not recorded uniformly over the full 24-hour cycle. Our objective is to present a robust method to estimate circular statistics and their statistical significance in the presence of incomplete or otherwise non-uniform sampling. Our method is to solve the underlying Fredholm Integral Equation for the more general problem, estimating probability distributions in the context of imperfect measurements, with our circular statistics in the presence of incomplete/non-uniform sampling being one special case. The method is based on linear parameterizations of the underlying distributions. We simulated the estimation error of our approach for several toy examples as well as for a real-world example: analyzing the 24-hour cyclicity of an electrographic biomarker of epileptic tissue controlled for states of vigilance. We also evaluated the accuracy of the Rayleigh test statistic versus the direct simulation of statistical significance. Our method shows a very low estimation error. In the real-world example, the corrected moments had a root mean square error of [Formula: see text]. In contrast, the Rayleigh test statistic overestimated the statistical significance and was thus not reliable. The presented methods thus provide a robust solution to computing circular moments even with incomplete or otherwise non-uniform sampling. Since Rayleigh test statistics cannot be used in this circumstance, direct estimation of significance is the preferable option for estimating statistical significance.
Collapse
|
4
|
Muheim R, Phillips JB. Effects of low-level RF fields reveal complex pattern of magnetic input to the avian magnetic compass. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19970. [PMID: 37968316 PMCID: PMC10651899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46547-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The avian magnetic compass can be disrupted by weak narrow-band and broadband radio-frequency (RF) fields in the lower MHz range. However, it is unclear whether disruption of the magnetic compass results from the elimination of the perception pattern produced by the magnetic field or from qualitative changes that make the pattern unrecognizable. We show that zebra finches trained in a 4-arm maze to orient relative to the magnetic field are disoriented when tested in the presence of low-level (~ 10 nT) Larmor-frequency RF fields. However, they are able to orient when tested in such RF fields if trained under this condition, indicating that the RF field alters, but does not eliminate, the magnetic input. Larmor-frequency RF fields of higher intensities, with or without harmonics, dramatically alter the magnetic compass response. In contrast, exposure to broadband RF fields in training, in testing, or in both training and testing eliminates magnetic compass information. These findings demonstrate that low-level RF fields at intensities found in many laboratory and field experiments may have very different effects on the perception of the magnetic field in birds, depending on the type and intensity of the RF field, and the birds' familiarity with the RF-generated pattern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Muheim
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Biology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
| | - John B Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yosef R, Kumbhojkar S, Gurjar B, Kosicki JZ. Magnetic alignment in free-ranging Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266129. [PMID: 35802713 PMCID: PMC9269921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The earth’s geomagnetic field (GMF) is known to influence the behaviour of a wide range of species, but remains one of the most enigmatic of animal senses. Animals are known to utilize the GMF for a wide range of survival capabilities such as navigation and orienteering, migration, territoriality, homing, etc. Despite a lot of study in this regard on vertebrates, little is known about the effects of GMF on felids. Hence, we analyzed the body alignment of the Indian Leopard during defecation, and walking along the trails in the Jhalana Reserve Forest in India. Using circular statistics, we found that the leopards aligned their bodies on the north-south axis during defecation (mean azimuth -176.4°), while no such preference was found when walking (mean azimuth 52.9°). Thus we prove that leopards are sensitive to the GMF during basic physiological activities and in this context show similar behaviour to other vertebrates studied to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reuven Yosef
- Ben Gurion University of the Negev-Eilat Campus, Eilat, Israel
| | | | - Bablu Gurjar
- Jhalana Wildlife Research Foundation Gharkul Society, Pune, India
| | - Jakub Z. Kosicki
- Department of Avian Biology and Ecology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Goswami P, He K, Li J, Pan Y, Roberts AP, Lin W. Magnetotactic bacteria and magnetofossils: ecology, evolution and environmental implications. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2022; 8:43. [PMID: 35650214 PMCID: PMC9160268 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-022-00304-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a group of phylogenetically diverse and morphologically varied microorganisms with a magnetoresponsive capability called magnetotaxis or microbial magnetoreception. MTB are a distinctive constituent of the microbiome of aquatic ecosystems because they use Earth's magnetic field to align themselves in a north or south facing direction and efficiently navigate to their favored microenvironments. They have been identified worldwide from diverse aquatic and waterlogged microbiomes, including freshwater, saline, brackish and marine ecosystems, and some extreme environments. MTB play important roles in the biogeochemical cycling of iron, sulphur, phosphorus, carbon and nitrogen in nature and have been recognized from in vitro cultures to sequester heavy metals like selenium, cadmium, and tellurium, which makes them prospective candidate organisms for aquatic pollution bioremediation. The role of MTB in environmental systems is not limited to their lifespan; after death, fossil magnetosomal magnetic nanoparticles (known as magnetofossils) are a promising proxy for recording paleoenvironmental change and geomagnetic field history. Here, we summarize the ecology, evolution, and environmental function of MTB and the paleoenvironmental implications of magnetofossils in light of recent discoveries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pranami Goswami
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China
- France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, ACT, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Kuang He
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China
- France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Deep Ocean Multispheres and Earth System, Key Laboratory of Submarine Geosciences and Prospecting Techniques, MoE and College of Marine Geosciences, Ocean University of China, 266100, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China
- France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China
| | - Yongxin Pan
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China
- France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China
- College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
| | - Andrew P Roberts
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, ACT, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
| | - Wei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China.
- France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100029, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ariano‐Sánchez D, Mortensen RM, Wilson RP, Bjureke P, Reinhardt S, Rosell F. Temperature and barometric pressure affect the activity intensity and movement of an endangered thermoconforming lizard. Ecosphere 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ariano‐Sánchez
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences University of South‐Eastern Norway Bø Telemark Norway
- Centro de Estudios Ambientales y Biodiversidad Universidad del Valle de Guatemala Guatemala City Guatemala
| | - Rasmus M. Mortensen
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences University of South‐Eastern Norway Bø Telemark Norway
| | - Rory P. Wilson
- Biosciences, College of Science Swansea University Swansea Wales UK
| | - Peder Bjureke
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences University of South‐Eastern Norway Bø Telemark Norway
| | - Stefanie Reinhardt
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences University of South‐Eastern Norway Bø Telemark Norway
| | - Frank Rosell
- Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Health, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences University of South‐Eastern Norway Bø Telemark Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Takahashi S, Hombe T, Matsumoto S, Ide K, Yoda K. Head direction cells in a migratory bird prefer north. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabl6848. [PMID: 35119935 PMCID: PMC8816328 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl6848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Animals exhibit remarkable navigation abilities as if they have an internal compass. Head direction (HD) cells encoding the animal's heading azimuth are found in the brain of several animal species; the HD cell signals are dependent on the vestibular nuclei, where magnetic responsive cells are present in birds. However, it is difficult to determine whether HD cell signals drive the compass orientation in animals, as they do not necessarily rely on the magnetic compass under all circumstances. Recording of HD cell activities from the medial pallium of shearwater chicks (Calonectris leucomelas) just before their first migration, during which they strongly rely on compass orientation, revealed that shearwater HD cells prefer a north orientation. The preference remained stable regardless of geolocations and environmental cues, suggesting the existence of a magnetic compass regulated by internally generated HD signals. Our findings provide insight into the integration of the direction and magnetoreception senses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susumu Takahashi
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe City, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Takumi Hombe
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Sakiko Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Kaoru Ide
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe City, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
| | - Ken Yoda
- Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Putman NF. Magnetosensation. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2022; 208:1-7. [PMID: 35098367 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01538-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
10
|
Phillips J, Muheim R, Painter M, Raines J, Anderson C, Landler L, Dommer D, Raines A, Deutschlander M, Whitehead J, Fitzpatrick NE, Youmans P, Borland C, Sloan K, McKenna K. Why is it so difficult to study magnetic compass orientation in murine rodents? J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2022; 208:197-212. [PMID: 35094127 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A magnetic compass sense has been demonstrated in all major classes of vertebrates, as well as in many invertebrates. In mammals, controlled laboratory studies of mice have provided evidence for a robust magnetic compass that is comparable to, or exceeds, the performance of that in other animals. Nevertheless, the vast majority of laboratory studies of spatial behavior and cognition in murine rodents have failed to produce evidence of sensitivity to magnetic cues. Given the central role that a magnetic compass sense plays in the spatial ecology and cognition of non-mammalian vertebrates, and the potential utility that a global/universal reference frame derived from the magnetic field would have in mammals, the question of why responses to magnetic cues have been so difficult to demonstrate reliably is of considerable importance. In this paper, we review evidence that the magnetic compass of murine rodents shares a number of properties with light-dependent compasses in a wide variety of other animals generally believed to be mediated by a radical pair mechanism (RPM) or related quantum process. Consistent with the RPM, we summarize both published and previously unpublished findings suggesting that the murine rodent compass is sensitive to low-level radio frequency (RF) fields. Finally, we argue that the presence of anthropogenic RF fields in laboratory settings, may be an important source of variability in responses of murine rodents to magnetic cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Phillips
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA.
| | - Rachel Muheim
- Dept of Biology, Lund University, Biology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Michael Painter
- Dept of Biology, Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33161, USA
| | - Jenny Raines
- University of Virginia, 409 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Chris Anderson
- Electrical Engineering Dept, US Naval Academy, 105 Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD, 21402, USA
| | - Lukas Landler
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33/I, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dave Dommer
- University of Mount Olive, 5001 South Miami Boulevard, Durham, NC, 27703, USA
| | - Adam Raines
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| | - Mark Deutschlander
- Dept of Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 300 Pulteney St., Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
| | - John Whitehead
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| | | | - Paul Youmans
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| | - Chris Borland
- Civic Champs, 642 N. Madison St., Suite 116, Bloomington, IN, 47404, USA
| | - Kelly Sloan
- Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, 3333 Sanibel Captiva Rd, PO Box 839, Sanibel, FL, 33957, USA
| | - Kaitlyn McKenna
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wiltschko R, Wiltschko W. The discovery of the use of magnetic navigational information. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2022; 208:9-18. [PMID: 34476571 PMCID: PMC8918449 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01507-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The magnetic field of the Earth provides animals with various kinds of information. Its use as a compass was discovered in the mid-1960s in birds, when it was first met with considerable skepticism, because it initially proved difficult to obtain evidence for magnetic sensitivity by conditioning experiments. Meanwhile, a magnetic compass was found to be widespread. It has now been demonstrated in members of all vertebrate classes, in mollusks and several arthropod species, in crustaceans as well as in insects. The use of the geomagnetic field as a 'map' for determining position, although already considered in the nineteenth century, was demonstrated by magnetically simulating displacements only after 2000, namely when animals, tested in the magnetic field of a distant site, responded as if they were physically displaced to that site and compensated for the displacement. Another use of the magnetic field is that as a 'sign post' or trigger: specific magnetic conditions elicit spontaneous responses that are helpful when animals reach the regions where these magnetic characteristics occur. Altogether, the geomagnetic field is a widely used valuable source of navigational information for mobile animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roswitha Wiltschko
- Fachbereich Biowissenschaften, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Wiltschko
- Fachbereich Biowissenschaften, Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bianco G, Köhler RC, Ilieva M, Åkesson S. The importance of time of day for magnetic body alignment in songbirds. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2022; 208:135-144. [PMID: 34997291 PMCID: PMC8918448 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01536-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous magnetic alignment is the simplest known directional response to the geomagnetic field that animals perform. Magnetic alignment is not a goal directed response and its relevance in the context of orientation and navigation has received little attention. Migratory songbirds, long-standing model organisms for studying magnetosensation, have recently been reported to align their body with the geomagnetic field. To explore whether the magnetic alignment behaviour in songbirds is involved in the underlying mechanism for compass calibration, which have been suggested to occur near to sunset, we studied juvenile Eurasian reed warblers (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) captured at stopover during their first autumn migration. We kept one group of birds in local daylight conditions and an experimental group under a 2 h delayed sunset. We used an ad hoc machine learning algorithm to track the birds' body alignment over a 2-week period. Our results show that magnetic body alignment occurs prior to sunset, but shifts to a more northeast-southwest alignment afterwards. Our findings support the hypothesis that body alignment could be associated with how directional celestial and magnetic cues are integrated in the compass of migratory birds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bianco
- Centre for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Robin Clemens Köhler
- Centre for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Mihaela Ilieva
- Centre for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
- Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin Str., 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Susanne Åkesson
- Centre for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
|
14
|
Kelleher SR, Silla AJ, Hertel AG, Dingemanse NJ, Byrne PG. Mate Preference Plasticity in a Critically Endangered Frog: Implications for Conservation Breeding. FRONTIERS IN CONSERVATION SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fcosc.2021.748104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variation in female mate preferences for male traits remains poorly understood (both among and within females), despite having important evolutionary and conservation implications, particularly for captive breeding. Here, we investigate female mate preferences for male advertisement call frequency, and determine whether preferences vary over repeated trials, in the critically endangered southern corroboree frog, Pseudophryne corroboree. We conducted a series of phonotaxis trials in a six-speaker arena where naïve, captive-bred, virgin females were offered a choice between low, average and high frequency male advertisement calls, with a subset of females tested repeatedly. In the first trial, we found no evidence for a population-level preference for call frequency, but females spent less time in the low call zone than expected by chance. However, our results showed that female mate preferences changed over sequential trials. Females spent significantly more time in the low frequency call zone in the third trial compared to the first trial, and, in the last trial, females exhibited a significant population-level preference for low frequency calls. Subsequently, repeatability estimates of female preferences were low and did not significantly deviate from zero. Our results indicate that female P. corroboree mate preferences can exhibit temporal variation, and suggest that females are more attracted to low call frequencies after repeated exposure. These findings imply that female P. corroboree may become choosier over time, and highlight the potential for mate preferences to exhibit phenotypic plasticity within a single reproductive cycle. Overall, these findings provide the first information on mate preferences in P. corroboree, and emphasize the importance of considering individual variation in mate choice studies. From a conservation perspective, knowledge of individual variation in female mate preferences may be used to conduct behavioral manipulations in captivity that facilitate the breeding of genetically valuable individuals, and improve the success of conservation breeding programs.
Collapse
|
15
|
Kashetsky T, Avgar T, Dukas R. The Cognitive Ecology of Animal Movement: Evidence From Birds and Mammals. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.724887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognition, defined as the processes concerned with the acquisition, retention and use of information, underlies animals’ abilities to navigate their local surroundings, embark on long-distance seasonal migrations, and socially learn information relevant to movement. Hence, in order to fully understand and predict animal movement, researchers must know the cognitive mechanisms that generate such movement. Work on a few model systems indicates that most animals possess excellent spatial learning and memory abilities, meaning that they can acquire and later recall information about distances and directions among relevant objects. Similarly, field work on several species has revealed some of the mechanisms that enable them to navigate over distances of up to several thousand kilometers. Key behaviors related to movement such as the choice of nest location, home range location and migration route are often affected by parents and other conspecifics. In some species, such social influence leads to the formation of aggregations, which in turn may lead to further social learning about food locations or other resources. Throughout the review, we note a variety of topics at the interface of cognition and movement that invite further investigation. These include the use of social information embedded in trails, the likely important roles of soundscapes and smellscapes, the mechanisms that large mammals rely on for long-distance migration, and the effects of expertise acquired over extended periods.
Collapse
|
16
|
Erdmann W, Kmita H, Kosicki JZ, Kaczmarek Ł. How the Geomagnetic Field Influences Life on Earth - An Integrated Approach to Geomagnetobiology. ORIGINS LIFE EVOL B 2021; 51:231-257. [PMID: 34363564 DOI: 10.1007/s11084-021-09612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Earth is one of the inner planets of the Solar System, but - unlike the others - it has an oxidising atmosphere, relatively stable temperature, and a constant geomagnetic field (GMF). The GMF does not only protect life on Earth against the solar wind and cosmic rays, but it also shields the atmosphere itself, thus creating relatively stable environmental conditions. What is more, the GMF could have influenced the origins of life: organisms from archaea to plants and animals may have been using the GMF as a source of spatial information since the very beginning. Although the GMF is constant, it does undergo various changes, some of which, e.g. a reversal of the poles, weaken the field significantly or even lead to its short-term disappearance. This may result in considerable climatic changes and an increased frequency of mutations caused by the solar wind and cosmic radiation. This review analyses data on the influence of the GMF on different aspects of life and it also presents current knowledge in the area. In conclusion, the GMF has a positive impact on living organisms, whereas a diminishing or disappearing GMF negatively affects living organisms. The influence of the GMF may also be an important factor determining both survival of terrestrial organisms outside Earth and the emergence of life on other planets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Erdmann
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Hanna Kmita
- Department of Bioenergetics, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jakub Z Kosicki
- Department of Avian Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kaczmarek
- Department of Animal Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Diego-Rasilla FJ, Phillips JB. Evidence for the use of a high-resolution magnetic map by a short-distance migrant, the Alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris). J Exp Biol 2021; 224:269106. [PMID: 34114002 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.238345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Newts can use spatial variation in the magnetic field (MF) to derive geographic position, but it is unclear how they detect the 'spatial signal', which, over the distances that newts move in a day, is an order of magnitude lower than temporal variation in the MF. Previous work has shown that newts take map readings using their light-dependent magnetic compass to align a magnetite-based 'map detector' relative to the MF. In this study, time of day, location and light exposure (required by the magnetic compass) were varied to determine when newts obtain map information. Newts were displaced from breeding ponds without access to route-based cues to sites where they were held and/or tested under diffuse natural illumination. We found that: (1) newts held overnight at the testing site exhibited accurate homing orientation, but not if transported to the testing site on the day of testing; (2) newts held overnight under diffuse lighting at a 'false testing site' and then tested at a site located in a different direction from their home pond oriented in the home direction from the holding site, not from the site where they were tested; and (3) newts held overnight in total darkness (except for light exposure for specific periods) only exhibited homing orientation the following day if exposed to diffuse illumination during the preceding evening twilight in the ambient MF. These findings demonstrate that, to determine the home direction, newts require access to light and the ambient MF during evening twilight when temporal variation in the MF is minimal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John B Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0406, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vale JO, Acosta-Avalos D. Magnetosensitivity in the Stingless Bee Tetragonisca angustula: Magnetic Inclination Can Alter the Choice of the Flying Departure Angle From the Nest. Bioelectromagnetics 2020; 42:51-59. [PMID: 33326627 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
It is known that animals are sensitive to the geomagnetic field. In the case of insects, magnetoreception has been reported in several ant species and in some bees and wasps. One study showed that the stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula is able to sense the modification of the magnetic field inclination. The aim of the present manuscript is to continue that study in T. angustula, analyzing the nest arrival and departure angles in the presence of magnetic fields generated by magnets. The bees flying to and from the nest were recorded and the flying trajectories were obtained by analyzing the video frame by frame. The magnetic field was generated by 6, 9, or 12 magnets contained inside an Eppendorf tube and fixed near the nest. Our results show that T. angustula bees are sensitive to magnetic fields because the departure angles are influenced by the magnets. It was observed that these bees are sensitive to the polarization of the magnetic field vector that influences the choice of flying up or down, and this sensitivity has a window until about 80 μT (about four times the local geomagnetic field), with the magnetic field information for higher magnetic field intensities being ignored by the bees. Bioelectromagnetics. 2021;42:51-59. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana O Vale
- Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Fisicas (CBPF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Benediktová K, Adámková J, Svoboda J, Painter MS, Bartoš L, Nováková P, Vynikalová L, Hart V, Phillips J, Burda H. Magnetic alignment enhances homing efficiency of hunting dogs. eLife 2020; 9:55080. [PMID: 32539933 PMCID: PMC7297537 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite anecdotal reports of the astonishing homing abilities in dogs, their homing strategies are not fully understood. We equipped 27 hunting dogs with GPS collars and action cams, let them freely roam in forested areas, and analyzed components of homing in over 600 trials. When returning to the owner (homewards), dogs either followed their outbound track (‘tracking’) or used a novel route (‘scouting’). The inbound track during scouting started mostly with a short (about 20 m) run along the north-south geomagnetic axis, irrespective of the actual direction homewards. Performing such a ‘compass run’ significantly increased homing efficiency. We propose that this run is instrumental for bringing the mental map into register with the magnetic compass and to establish the heading of the animal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kateřina Benediktová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Adámková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Svoboda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Scott Painter
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic.,Biology Department, Barry University, Miami, United States
| | - Luděk Bartoš
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Animal Science, Praha, Czech Republic.,Department of Ethology and Companion Animal Science, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Nováková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Vynikalová
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Vlastimil Hart
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - John Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, United States
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Praha, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Frątczak M, Vargová B, Tryjanowski P, Majláth I, Jerzak L, Kurimský J, Cimbala R, Jankowiak Ł, Conka Z, Majláthová V. Infected Ixodes ricinus ticks are attracted by electromagnetic radiation of 900 MHz. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101416. [PMID: 32209348 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The electromagnetic field (EMF) is known to influence functions of the nervous, cardiovascular and reproductive systems of many animals, including ticks. The aim of this study was to test the behavior of ticks in the presence of radio-frequency EMF. For testing, 160 adult male and 140 adult female unfed Ixodes ricinus ticks were used. Individuals were exposed to 900 MHz EMF in the Radiation-Shielded Tube (RST). Ticks were attracted to the irradiated area. This effect was significantly stronger for ticks infected with Rickettsia spp., suggesting that pathogens can alter the ticks' response to environmental stimuli. These results lead to the question of whether man-made EMF may have an impact on I. ricinus activity and, as such, be a contributing factor to the ongoing changes in the distribution of the tick and its pathogens currently observed in Europe and elsewhere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Frątczak
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Blažena Vargová
- Centre of Applied Science, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy, Komenského 73, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | - Igor Majláth
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Srobarova 2, 041 80 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Leszek Jerzak
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Prof. Z. Szafrana St. 1, 65-516 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Juraj Kurimský
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Kosice, Masiarska 74, 041 20 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Roman Cimbala
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Kosice, Masiarska 74, 041 20 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Łukasz Jankowiak
- Department of Vertebrate Anatomy and Zoology, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Zsolt Conka
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics, Technical University of Kosice, Masiarska 74, 041 20 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Viktória Majláthová
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Srobarova 2, 041 80 Kosice, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nyqvist D, Durif C, Johnsen MG, De Jong K, Forland TN, Sivle LD. Electric and magnetic senses in marine animals, and potential behavioral effects of electromagnetic surveys. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 155:104888. [PMID: 32072990 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Electromagnetic surveys generate electromagnetic fields to map petroleum deposits under the seabed with unknown consequences for marine animals. The electric and magnetic fields induced by electromagnetic surveys can be detected by many marine animals, and the generated fields may potentially affect the behavior of perceptive animals. Animals using magnetic cues for migration or local orientation, especially during a restricted time-window, risk being affected by electromagnetic surveys. In electrosensitive animals, anthropogenic electric fields could disrupt a range of behaviors. The lack of studies on effects of the electromagnetic fields induced by electromagnetic surveys on the behavior of magneto- and electrosensitive animals is a reason for concern. Here, we review the use of electric and magnetic fields among marine animals, present data on survey generated and natural electromagnetic fields, and discuss potential effects of electromagnetic surveys on the behavior of marine animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Nyqvist
- Institute of Marine Research Bergen, Nordnesgaten 50, 5005, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Caroline Durif
- Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Sauganeset 16, 5392, Storebø, Norway
| | | | - Karen De Jong
- Institute of Marine Research Bergen, Nordnesgaten 50, 5005, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Vanderstraeten J, Gailly P, Malkemper EP. Light entrainment of retinal biorhythms: cryptochrome 2 as candidate photoreceptor in mammals. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:875-884. [PMID: 31982933 PMCID: PMC11104904 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03463-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms that synchronize the biorhythms of the mammalian retina with the light/dark cycle are independent of those synchronizing the rhythms in the central pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The identity of the photoreceptor(s) responsible for the light entrainment of the retina of mammals is still a matter of debate, and recent studies have reported contradictory results in this respect. Here, we suggest that cryptochromes (CRY), in particular CRY 2, are involved in that light entrainment. CRY are highly conserved proteins that are a key component of the cellular circadian clock machinery. In plants and insects, they are responsible for the light entrainment of these biorhythms, mediated by the light response of their flavin cofactor (FAD). In mammals, however, no light-dependent role is currently assumed for CRY in light-exposed tissues, including the retina. It has been reported that FAD influences the function of mammalian CRY 2 and that human CRY 2 responds to light in Drosophila, suggesting that mammalian CRY 2 keeps the ability to respond to light. Here, we hypothesize that CRY 2 plays a role in the light entrainment of retinal biorhythms, at least in diurnal mammals. Indeed, published data shows that the light intensity dependence and the wavelength sensitivity commonly reported for that light entrainment fits the light sensitivity and absorption spectrum of light-responsive CRY. We propose experiments to test our hypothesis and to further explore the still-pending question of the function of CRY 2 in the mammalian retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Vanderstraeten
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Environmental and Work Health Research Center, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP593, Route de Lennik, 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium.
- , Avenue Constant Montald, 11, 1200, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Philippe Gailly
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Neuroscience (IONS), Cellular and Molecular Pole (CEMO), Catholic University of Louvain, Avenue Mounier 53/B1.53.17, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Pascal Malkemper
- Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (CAESAR), Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, Bonn, 53175, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fitak RR, Wheeler BR, Johnsen S. Effect of a magnetic pulse on orientation behavior in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Behav Processes 2020; 172:104058. [PMID: 31954808 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2020.104058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Magnetoreception remains one of the most enigmatic of animal senses. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) represent an ideal species to study this sense, as magnetoreception based upon microscopic particles of magnetite is suspected to play an important role in their orientation and navigation. Here we found that compared with controls, a magnetic pulse (a treatment commonly used to demonstrate magnetite-based magnetoreception) can induce orientation behavior in juvenile rainbow trout on a specific experimental day. Multiple circular-linear regression also indicated that this effect could at least be partially explained by daily variation in solar electromagnetic activity (i.e., sunspot count and disturbance storm time index). These results are consistent with magnetite-based magnetoreception in rainbow trout and suggest that 1) solar activity may impact magnetic orientation and 2) researchers should be cognizant of its potential consequences on studies of magnetoreception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert R Fitak
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA.
| | | | - Sönke Johnsen
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yosef R, Raz M, Ben-Baruch N, Shmueli L, Kosicki JZ, Fratczak M, Tryjanowski P. Directional preferences of dogs’ changes in the presence of a bar magnet: Educational experiments in Israel. J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
25
|
Macedo CRDC, Aquino IDS, Borges PDF, Barbosa ADS, Medeiros GRD. Nesting behavior of stingless bees. CIÊNCIA ANIMAL BRASILEIRA 2020. [DOI: 10.1590/1809-6891v21e-58736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Native bees, besides excellent producers of honey, lend a great legacy to humanity through their ability to pollinate plants and the consequent preservation of ecosystems. In this interspecific relation, bees are benefited by plant species by the provision of food (nectar and pollen), besides using their branches and trunks for lodging. However, the anthropogenic action has jeopardized the survival of stingless bees, causing irreversible environmental damage in the preservation of natural resources. This study aimed to identify the nesting habits of native bees under natural conditions. Random trails in the Curimataú micro-region of Paraíba allowed identifying nesting sites of indigenous species in their natural habitat. Sixty honeycomb nests were identified in 12 different plant species, being Commiphora leptophloeos the most preferred host (46.66%), with 55% of the entrance holes pointed to magnetic orientations between the Northeast and Northwest; a greater choice by host trees (85%); preference for nesting in host plants with a circumference of 0.98 m in diameter, entrance hole of nests of 7.77 mm in diameter, and height from the ground of 1.52 m. The obtained data showed little variety of stingless bee species in the Curimataú region of Paraíba, especially Melipona subnitida. The species Melipona asilvae, Melipona scutellaris, Partamona seridoenses, and Plebeia sp. should receive special attention not to become extinct in this region.
Collapse
|
26
|
Bianco G, Köhler RC, Ilieva M, Åkesson S. Magnetic body alignment in migratory songbirds: a computer vision approach. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:jeb.196469. [PMID: 30728159 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.196469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Several invertebrate and vertebrate species have been shown to align their body relative to the geomagnetic field. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the adaptive significance of magnetic body alignment outside the context of navigation. However, experimental evidence to investigate alternative hypotheses is still limited. We present a new setup to track the preferential body alignment relative to the geomagnetic field in captive animals using computer vision. We tested our method on three species of migratory songbirds and provide evidence that they align their body with the geomagnetic field. We suggest that this behaviour is involved in the underlying mechanism for compass orientation and calibration, which may occur near to sunrise and sunset periods. Our method could easily be extended to other species and used to test a large set of hypotheses to explain the mechanisms behind the magnetic body alignment and the magnetic sense in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bianco
- Centre for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, SE 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Robin Clemens Köhler
- Centre for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, SE 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mihaela Ilieva
- Centre for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, SE 223 62 Lund, Sweden.,Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 2 Gagarin str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Susanne Åkesson
- Centre for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Ecology Building, SE 223 62 Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lindecke O, Elksne A, Holland RA, Pētersons G, Voigt CC. Orientation and flight behaviour identify the Soprano pipistrelle as a migratory bat species at the Baltic Sea coast. J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- O. Lindecke
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
- Institute of Biology Freie Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - A. Elksne
- Institute of Biology University of Latvia Salaspils Latvia
| | - R. A. Holland
- School of Biological Sciences Bangor University Bangor UK
| | - G. Pētersons
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies Jelgava Latvia
| | - C. C. Voigt
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research Berlin Germany
- Institute of Biology Freie Universität Berlin Berlin Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ectosymbionts alter spontaneous responses to the Earth's magnetic field in a crustacean. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3105. [PMID: 30816116 PMCID: PMC6395607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38404-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic sensing is used to structure every-day, non-migratory behaviours in many animals. We show that crayfish exhibit robust spontaneous magnetic alignment responses. These magnetic behaviours are altered by interactions with Branchiobdellidan worms, which are obligate ectosymbionts. Branchiobdellidan worms have previously been shown to have positive effects on host growth when present at moderate densities, and negative effects at relatively high densities. Here we show that crayfish with moderate densities of symbionts aligned bimodally along the magnetic northeast-southwest axis, similar to passive magnetic alignment responses observed across a range of stationary vertebrates. In contrast, crayfish with high symbiont densities failed to exhibit consistent alignment relative to the magnetic field. Crayfish without symbionts shifted exhibited quadramodal magnetic alignment and were more active. These behavioural changes suggest a change in the organization of spatial behaviour with increasing ectosymbiont densities. We propose that the increased activity and a switch to quadramodal magnetic alignment may be associated with the use of systematic search strategies. Such a strategy could increase contact-rates with conspecifics in order to replenish the beneficial ectosymbionts that only disperse between hosts during direct contact. Our results demonstrate that crayfish perceive and respond to magnetic fields, and that symbionts influence magnetically structured spatial behaviour of their hosts.
Collapse
|
29
|
Martini S, Begall S, Findeklee T, Schmitt M, Malkemper EP, Burda H. Dogs can be trained to find a bar magnet. PeerJ 2018; 6:e6117. [PMID: 30588405 PMCID: PMC6301327 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetoreception, the ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field (MF), is a widespread phenomenon in the animal kingdom. In 1966, the first report on a magnetosensitive vertebrate, the European robin (Erithacus rubecula), was published. After that, numerous further species of different taxa have been identified to be magnetosensitive as well. Recently, it has been demonstrated that domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) prefer to align their body axis along the North–South axis during territorial marking under calm MF conditions and that they abandon this preference when the Earth’s MF is unstable. In a further study conducting a directional two-choice-test, dogs showed a spontaneous preference for the northern direction. Being designated as putatively magnetosensitive and being also known as trainable for diverse choice and search tests, dogs seem to be suitable model animals for a direct test of magnetoreception: learning to find a magnet. Using operant conditioning dogs were trained to identify the MF of a bar magnet in a three-alternative forced-choice experiment. We excluded visual cues and used control trials with food treats to test for the role of olfaction in finding the magnet. While 13 out of 16 dogs detected the magnet significantly above chance level (53–73% success rate), none of the dogs managed to do so in finding the food treat (23–40% success rate). In a replication of the experiment under strictly blinded conditions five out of six dogs detected the magnet above chance level (53–63% success rate). These experiments support the existence of a magnetic sense in domestic dogs. Whether the sense enables dogs to perceive MFs as weak as the Earth’s MF, if they use it for orientation, and by which mechanism the fields are perceived remain open questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Martini
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Begall
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Marcus Schmitt
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - E Pascal Malkemper
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Malewski S, Begall S, Schleich CE, Antenucci CD, Burda H. Do subterranean mammals use the Earth's magnetic field as a heading indicator to dig straight tunnels? PeerJ 2018; 6:e5819. [PMID: 30402349 PMCID: PMC6215444 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Subterranean rodents are able to dig long straight tunnels. Keeping the course of such "runways" is important in the context of optimal foraging strategies and natal or mating dispersal. These tunnels are built in the course of a long time, and in social species, by several animals. Although the ability to keep the course of digging has already been described in the 1950s, its proximate mechanism could still not be satisfactorily explained. Here, we analyzed the directional orientation of 68 burrow systems in five subterranean rodent species (Fukomys anselli, F. mechowii, Heliophobius argenteocinereus, Spalax galili, and Ctenomys talarum) on the base of detailed maps of burrow systems charted within the framework of other studies and provided to us. The directional orientation of the vast majority of all evaluated burrow systems on the individual level (94%) showed a significant deviation from a random distribution. The second order statistics (averaging mean vectors of all the studied burrow systems of a respective species) revealed significant deviations from random distribution with a prevalence of north-south (H. argenteocinereus), NNW-SSE (C. talarum), and NE-SW (Fukomys mole-rats) oriented tunnels. Burrow systems of S. galili were randomly oriented. We suggest that the Earth's magnetic field acts as a common heading indicator, facilitating to keep the course of digging. This study provides a field test and further evidence for magnetoreception and its biological meaning in subterranean mammals. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for future field experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Malewski
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sabine Begall
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Czech University of Agriculture, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Cristian E. Schleich
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - C. Daniel Antenucci
- Laboratorio de Ecología Fisiológica y del Comportamiento, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Czech University of Agriculture, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rodríguez MG, de Miguel Águeda FJ. Body orientation of sheep in herds. Small Rumin Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
32
|
Long-distance navigation and magnetoreception in migratory animals. Nature 2018; 558:50-59. [PMID: 29875486 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0176-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
For centuries, humans have been fascinated by how migratory animals find their way over thousands of kilometres. Here, I review the mechanisms used in animal orientation and navigation with a particular focus on long-distance migrants and magnetoreception. I contend that any long-distance navigational task consists of three phases and that no single cue or mechanism will enable animals to navigate with pinpoint accuracy over thousands of kilometres. Multiscale and multisensory cue integration in the brain is needed. I conclude by raising twenty important mechanistic questions related to long-distance animal navigation that should be solved over the next twenty years.
Collapse
|
33
|
|
34
|
Buttarazzi D, Pandolfo G, Porzio GC. A boxplot for circular data. Biometrics 2018; 74:1492-1501. [PMID: 29782636 DOI: 10.1111/biom.12889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The box-and-whiskers plot is an extraordinary graphical tool that provides a quick visual summary of an observed distribution. In spite of its many extensions, a really suitable boxplot to display circular data is not yet available. Thanks to its simplicity and strong visual impact, such a tool would be especially useful in all fields where circular measures arise: biometrics, astronomy, environmetrics, Earth sciences, to cite just a few. For this reason, in line with Tukey's original idea, a Tukey-like circular boxplot is introduced. Several simulated and real datasets arising in biology are used to illustrate the proposed graphical tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Buttarazzi
- Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pandolfo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Giovanni C Porzio
- Department of Economics and Law, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Weijers D, Hemerik L, Heitkönig IMA. An experimental approach in revisiting the magnetic orientation of cattle. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0187848. [PMID: 29641517 PMCID: PMC5894954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0187848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the increasing number of observational studies on an apparent south-north orientation in non-homing, non-migrating terrestrial mammals, we experimentally tested the alignment hypothesis using strong neodymium magnets on the resting orientation of individual cattle in Portugal. Contrary to the hypothesis, the 34 cows in the experiment showed no directional preference, neither with, nor without a strong neodymium magnet fixed to their collar. The concurrently performed 2,428 daytime observations—excluding the hottest part of the day—of 659 resting individual cattle did not show a south-north alignment when at rest either. The preferred compass orientation of these cows was on average 130 degrees from the magnetic north (i.e., south east). Cow compass orientation correlated significantly with sun direction, but not with wind direction. In as far as we can determine, this is the first experimental test on magnetic orientation in larger, non-homing, non-migrating mammals. These experimental and observational findings do not support previously published suggestions on the magnetic south-north alignment in these mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debby Weijers
- Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lia Hemerik
- Biometris, Wageningen University and Research, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Painter MS, Davis M, Ganesh S, Rak E, Brumet K, Bayne H, Malkemper EP, Phillips JB. Evidence for plasticity in magnetic nest-building orientation in laboratory mice. Anim Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
37
|
Čapek F, Průcha J, Socha V, Hart V, Burda H. Directional orientation of pheasant chicks at the drinking dish and its potential for research on avian magnetoreception. FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v66.i3.a5.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- František Čapek
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Průcha
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 36 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Socha
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, 166 36 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vlastimil Hart
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University Duisburg-Essen, 451 17 Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Adámková J, Svoboda J, Benediktová K, Martini S, Nováková P, Tůma D, Kučerová M, Divišová M, Begall S, Hart V, Burda H. Directional preference in dogs: Laterality and "pull of the north". PLoS One 2017; 12:e0185243. [PMID: 28945773 PMCID: PMC5612717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0185243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Laterality is a well described phenomenon in domestic dogs. It was shown that dogs, under calm Earth's magnetic field conditions, when marking their home ranges, tend to head about north- or southwards and display thus magnetic alignment. The question arises whether magnetic alignment might be affected or even compromised by laterality and vice versa. We tested the preference of dogs to choose between two dishes with snacks that were placed left and right, in different compass directions (north and east, east and south, south and west or west and north) in front of them. Some dogs were right-lateral, some left-lateral but most of them were ambilateral. There was a preference for the dish placed north compared to the one placed east of the dog ("pull of the north"). This effect was highly significant in small and medium-sized breeds but not in larger breeds, highly significant in females, in older dogs, in lateralized dogs but less significant or not significant in males, younger dogs, or ambilateral dogs. Laterality and “pull of the north” are phenomena which should be considered in diverse tasks and behavioral tests with which dogs or other animals might be confronted. The interaction and possible conflict between lateralization and "pull of the north" might be also considered as a reason for shifted magnetic alignment observed in different animal species in different contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Adámková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Svoboda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Benediktová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Sabine Martini
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Petra Nováková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - David Tůma
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Kučerová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Divišová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Sabine Begall
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Vlastimil Hart
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Praha 6, Czech Republic
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Landler L, Painter MS, Coe BH, Youmans PW, Hopkins WA, Phillips JB. High levels of maternally transferred mercury disrupt magnetic responses of snapping turtle hatchlings (Chelydra serpentina). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 228:19-25. [PMID: 28501632 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Earth's magnetic field is involved in spatial behaviours ranging from long-distance migration to non-goal directed behaviours, such as spontaneous magnetic alignment (SMA). Mercury is a harmful pollutant most often generated from anthropogenic sources that can bio-accumulate in animal tissue over a lifetime. We compared SMA of hatchling snapping turtles from mothers captured at reference (i.e., low mercury) and mercury contaminated sites. Reference turtles showed radio frequency-dependent SMA along the north-south axis, consistent with previous studies of SMA, while turtles with high levels of maternally inherited mercury failed to show consistent magnetic alignment. In contrast, there was no difference between reference and mercury exposed turtles on standard performance measures. The magnetic field plays an important role in animal orientation behaviour and may also help to integrate spatial information from a variety of sensory modalities. As a consequence, mercury may compromise the performance of turtles in a wide variety of spatial tasks. Future research is needed to determine the threshold for mercury effects on snapping turtles, whether mercury exposure compromises spatial behaviour of adult turtles, and whether mercury has a direct effect on the magnetoreception mechanism(s) that mediate SMA or a more general effect on the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Landler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1405 Perry Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Michael S Painter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1405 Perry Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Brittney Hopkins Coe
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Paul W Youmans
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1405 Perry Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - William A Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - John B Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 1405 Perry Street, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pleskač L, Hart V, Nováková P, Painter MS. Spatial orientation of foraging corvids consistent with spontaneous magnetic alignment responses observed in a variety of free-roaming vertebrates. FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v66.i2.a3.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lukáš Pleskač
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic;, , ,
| | - Vlastimil Hart
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic;, , ,
| | - Petra Nováková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic;, , ,
| | - Michael S. Painter
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic;, , ,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Nováková P, Kořanová D, Begall S, Malkemper EP, Pleskač L, Čapek F, Červený J, Hart V, Hartová V, Husinec V, Burda H. Direction indicator and magnetic compass-aided tracking of the sun by flamingos? FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v66.i2.a2.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Nováková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Diana Kořanová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Sabine Begall
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Erich P. Malkemper
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Lukáš Pleskač
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - František Čapek
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Červený
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vlastimil Hart
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Hartová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Husinec
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117 Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bianco G, Ilieva M, Veibäck C, Öfjäll K, Gadomska A, Hendeby G, Felsberg M, Gustafsson F, Åkesson S. Emlen funnel experiments revisited: methods update for studying compass orientation in songbirds. Ecol Evol 2017; 6:6930-6942. [PMID: 28725370 PMCID: PMC5513225 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.2383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Migratory songbirds carry an inherited capacity to migrate several thousand kilometers each year crossing continental landmasses and barriers between distant breeding sites and wintering areas. How individual songbirds manage with extreme precision to find their way is still largely unknown. The functional characteristics of biological compasses used by songbird migrants has mainly been investigated by recording the birds directed migratory activity in circular cages, so‐called Emlen funnels. This method is 50 years old and has not received major updates over the past decades. The aim of this work was to compare the results from newly developed digital methods with the established manual methods to evaluate songbird migratory activity and orientation in circular cages. We performed orientation experiments using the European robin (Erithacus rubecula) using modified Emlen funnels equipped with thermal paper and simultaneously recorded the songbird movements from above. We evaluated and compared the results obtained with five different methods. Two methods have been commonly used in songbirds’ orientation experiments; the other three methods were developed for this study and were based either on evaluation of the thermal paper using automated image analysis, or on the analysis of videos recorded during the experiment. The methods used to evaluate scratches produced by the claws of birds on the thermal papers presented some differences compared with the video analyses. These differences were caused mainly by differences in scatter, as any movement of the bird along the sloping walls of the funnel was recorded on the thermal paper, whereas video evaluations allowed us to detect single takeoff attempts by the birds and to consider only this behavior in the orientation analyses. Using computer vision, we were also able to identify and separately evaluate different behaviors that were impossible to record by the thermal paper. The traditional Emlen funnel is still the most used method to investigate compass orientation in songbirds under controlled conditions. However, new numerical image analysis techniques provide a much higher level of detail of songbirds’ migratory behavior and will provide an increasing number of possibilities to evaluate and quantify specific behaviors as new algorithms will be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Bianco
- Centre for Animal Movement Research Department of Biology Lund University Ecology Building SE-223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Mihaela Ilieva
- Centre for Animal Movement Research Department of Biology Lund University Ecology Building SE-223 62 Lund Sweden.,Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research Bulgarian Academy of Sciences 2 Gagarin street 1113 Sofia Bulgaria
| | - Clas Veibäck
- Division of Automatic Control Department of Electrical Engineering Linköping University SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Öfjäll
- Computer Vision Laboratory Department of Electrical Engineering Linköping University SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
| | - Alicja Gadomska
- Centre for Animal Movement Research Department of Biology Lund University Ecology Building SE-223 62 Lund Sweden
| | - Gustaf Hendeby
- Division of Automatic Control Department of Electrical Engineering Linköping University SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
| | - Michael Felsberg
- Computer Vision Laboratory Department of Electrical Engineering Linköping University SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
| | - Fredrik Gustafsson
- Division of Automatic Control Department of Electrical Engineering Linköping University SE-581 83 Linköping Sweden
| | - Susanne Åkesson
- Centre for Animal Movement Research Department of Biology Lund University Ecology Building SE-223 62 Lund Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Pinzon-Rodriguez A, Muheim R. Zebra finches have a light-dependent magnetic compass similar to migratory birds. J Exp Biol 2017; 220:1202-1209. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.148098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Birds have a light-dependent magnetic compass that provides information about the spatial alignment of the geomagnetic field. It is proposed to be located in the avian retina and mediated by a light-induced, radical-pair mechanism involving cryptochromes as sensory receptor molecules. To investigate how the behavioural responses of birds under different light spectra match with cryptochromes as the primary magnetoreceptor, we examined the spectral properties of the magnetic compass in zebra finches. We trained birds to relocate a food reward in a spatial orientation task using magnetic compass cues. The birds were well oriented along the trained magnetic compass axis when trained and tested under low-irradiance 521 nm green light. In the presence of a 1.4 MHz radio-frequency electromagnetic (RF)-field, the birds were disoriented, which supports the involvement of radical-pair reactions in the primary magnetoreception process. Birds trained and tested under 638 nm red light showed a weak tendency to orient ∼45 deg clockwise of the trained magnetic direction. Under low-irradiance 460 nm blue light, they tended to orient along the trained magnetic compass axis, but were disoriented under higher irradiance light. Zebra finches trained and tested under high-irradiance 430 nm indigo light were well oriented along the trained magnetic compass axis, but disoriented in the presence of a RF-field. We conclude that magnetic compass responses of zebra finches are similar to those observed in nocturnally migrating birds and agree with cryptochromes as the primary magnetoreceptor, suggesting that light-dependent, radical-pair-mediated magnetoreception is a common property for all birds, including non-migratory species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Muheim
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Biology Building B, Lund 223 62, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Spontaneous magnetic alignment behaviour in free-living lizards. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2017; 104:13. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
45
|
Červený J, Burda H, Ježek M, Kušta T, Husinec V, Nováková P, Hart V, Hartová V, Begall S, Malkemper EP. Magnetic alignment in warthogs
Phacochoerus africanus
and wild boars
Sus scrofa. Mamm Rev 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaroslav Červený
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences 16521Praha 6 Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences 16521Praha 6 Czech Republic
- Department of General ZoologyFaculty of Biology University of Duisburg‐Essen 45117 Essen Germany
| | - Miloš Ježek
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences 16521Praha 6 Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Kušta
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences 16521Praha 6 Czech Republic
| | - Václav Husinec
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences 16521Praha 6 Czech Republic
| | - Petra Nováková
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences 16521Praha 6 Czech Republic
| | - Vlastimil Hart
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences 16521Praha 6 Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Hartová
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences 16521Praha 6 Czech Republic
| | - Sabine Begall
- Department of General ZoologyFaculty of Biology University of Duisburg‐Essen 45117 Essen Germany
| | - E. Pascal Malkemper
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences Czech University of Life Sciences 16521Praha 6 Czech Republic
- Department of General ZoologyFaculty of Biology University of Duisburg‐Essen 45117 Essen Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Obleser P, Hart V, Malkemper EP, Begall S, Holá M, Painter MS, Červený J, Burda H. Compass-controlled escape behavior in roe deer. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-016-2142-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
47
|
Malkemper EP, Painter MS, Landler L. Shifted magnetic alignment in vertebrates: Evidence for neural lateralization? J Theor Biol 2016; 399:141-7. [PMID: 27059891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A wealth of evidence provides support for magnetic alignment (MA) behavior in a variety of disparate species within the animal kingdom, in which an animal, or a group of animals, show a tendency to align the body axis in a consistent orientation relative to the geomagnetic field lines. Interestingly, among vertebrates, MA typically coincides with the north-south magnetic axis, however, the mean directional preferences of an individual or group of organisms is often rotated clockwise from the north-south axis. We hypothesize that this shift is not a coincidence, and future studies of this subtle, yet consistent phenomenon may help to reveal some properties of the underlying sensory or processing mechanisms, that, to date, are not well understood. Furthermore, characterizing the fine structure exhibited in MA behaviors may provide key insights to the biophysical substrates mediating magnetoreception in vertebrates. Therefore, in order to determine if a consistent shift is exhibited in taxonomically diverse vertebrates, we performed a meta-analysis on published MA datasets from 23 vertebrate species that exhibited an axial north-south preference. This analysis revealed a significant clockwise shift from the north-south magnetic axis. We summarize and discuss possible competing hypotheses regarding the proximate mechanisms underlying the clockwise shifted MA and conclude that the most likely cause of such a shift would be a lateralization in central processing of magnetic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Pascal Malkemper
- Department of General Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse. 2, 45117 Essen, Germany; Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michael S Painter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Lukas Landler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America; Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Landler L, Siegel PB. A Mysterious Topographic Bias: No Magnetic Effects on Chick Embryo Alignment? ANN ZOOL FENN 2016. [DOI: 10.5735/086.053.0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
49
|
Luchiari AC. How Betta splendens finds its way. Behav Processes 2016; 124:47-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
50
|
Cryptochrome 1 in Retinal Cone Photoreceptors Suggests a Novel Functional Role in Mammals. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21848. [PMID: 26898837 PMCID: PMC4761878 DOI: 10.1038/srep21848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptochromes are a ubiquitous group of blue-light absorbing flavoproteins that in the mammalian retina have an important role in the circadian clock. In birds, cryptochrome 1a (Cry1a), localized in the UV/violet-sensitive S1 cone photoreceptors, is proposed to be the retinal receptor molecule of the light-dependent magnetic compass. The retinal localization of mammalian Cry1, homologue to avian Cry1a, is unknown, and it is open whether mammalian Cry1 is also involved in magnetic field sensing. To constrain the possible role of retinal Cry1, we immunohistochemically analysed 90 mammalian species across 48 families in 16 orders, using an antiserum against the Cry1 C-terminus that in birds labels only the photo-activated conformation. In the Carnivora families Canidae, Mustelidae and Ursidae, and in some Primates, Cry1 was consistently labeled in the outer segment of the shortwave-sensitive S1 cones. This finding would be compatible with a magnetoreceptive function of Cry1 in these taxa. In all other taxa, Cry1 was not detected by the antiserum that likely also in mammals labels the photo-activated conformation, although Western blots showed Cry1 in mouse retinal cell nuclei. We speculate that in the mouse and the other negative-tested mammals Cry1 is involved in circadian functions as a non-light-responsive protein.
Collapse
|